Lead officer(s)

Reducing Use of Plastics in Jersey

Scrutiny review - Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Panel

What is the review about?

​The Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Scrutiny Panel has started its review into how Jersey can reduce its use of plastics.

Whilst awareness campaigns have been established to encourage islanders to go 'plastic free', there is currently no definitive commitment to phase-out single-use plastics. Jersey statistics show that in 2016, only 6% of all plastic waste was recycled.

The Panel will write to identified stakeholders, including the Minister for the Environment and the Minister for Infrastructure, in order to gather material relevant to its enquiry. The public will also be invited to submit evidence and public hearings will be held in due course.

Review progress

Terms of reference

​1. To consider what work the Department of the Environment is currently undertaking to help reduce use of plastics in Jersey and to address the threat they pose to pollution for the environment and its wildlife.

2. To determine whether a suitable cost benefit analysis has been undertaken by the Department of the Environment in relation to the cost of public awareness initiatives/campaigns and any resulting benefits this has in reducing plastic waste.

3. To consider the role that businesses can play in the reduction of plastics and the benefits to the environment this could bring.

4. To consider Jersey's importation of plastic materials and the potential limitations and/or challenges this may pose for Jersey's ability to significantly reduce plastic waste.

5. To assess whether recycling initiatives in Jersey are fit for purpose, specifically plastics, and to identify what improvements (if any) can be made and/or what other initiatives could be introduced.

6. To explore how plastic waste is treated and assess what environmental benefit this has.

7. To explore what other countries practise in terms of reducing / eliminating use of plastics and identify what lessons Jersey could learn from this.